Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund

Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA) Creating Habitat Through the Seasons Project

This project engaged Markham residents in habitat creation and developed new environmental programs for the Markham Museum. New Canadian residents at the Markham North language centre learned about local wildlife and habitat during in-class lessons and field trips to the Markham Museum. During the winter and spring field trips, participants built backyard bird feeders, planted native wildflowers and toured habitat features highlighted by the Environmental GeoTour. Four educational toolkits were created for the Markham Museum, including hands on activities and lesson plans, to engage future visitors during summer camps, school visits and community events.

Eligible organizations include: other levels of government, public agencies, school boards and Markham Community Groups including: Markham-based community ratepayer associations and local organizations, such as conservation groups, Scouts, etc.

Multi-jurisdictional groups, such as NGOs, or other organizations may be considered if there are clearly demonstrable benefits in the City of Markham, conditional on such groups working with a local Markham community group.

A maximum of 3 schools may receive funding per funding cycle, to a maximum of $5,000 each. Schools must be “Zero Waste” Schools (have an organic waste program) to be eligible starting in 2013.

Individuals and “for profit” organizations are not eligible. Any project that results in a direct financial private benefit to the fund recipient is not eligible.

Pomona Mills Park Conservationists Inc. Community Alcove Planting

This project was part of a rehabilitation effort on the land along the East Don River within Pomona Mills Park. The project was aimed at planting native bare root shrub and tree species to prevent invasive species from infiltrating Pomona Mills Park and to provide habitat for wildlife. The plantings will also add tree cover that will eventually extend to the East Don River.

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) Environmental GeoTour

This self-guided educational geotour for families, school children and youth explores the greenest grounds at the Markham Museum. Markham residents use a “passport” (a how-to guide for the tour) and Global Positioning System device (GPS) provided by the Markham Museum to discover 15 environmental geocaches on the property which showcase the importance of gardening, biodiversity and water conservation. Visit the Markham Museum website to find out more about this program, which continues in 2014 until September.

Projects are required to meet at least one, if not more, of the following objectives:

• A leading environmental innovation – for example, a pilot project – that can be showcased by the City of Markham
• Promote education, understanding and participation in environmental sustainability in  Markham
• Support Markham’s environmental policies and strategic plans ie Building Markham’s Future Together (BMFT)
• Enhance the health, resilience and sustainability of our ecosystem and natural environment

Note: Applications that do not meet any of these criteria will not be considered

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) Low Impact Development Workshop Series

This series of four workshops taught Markham residents how to implement Low Impact Development practices on their own properties. These workshops covered rain barrels, rain gardens, infiltration trenches and permeable paving, which all help to mitigate non-point source pollution, and reduce the chances of localized flooding and stream bank erosion.They were held at the Markham Museum, showcasing the Rain Garden Demonstration Project installed in 2012.

James Robinson Public School - Accessible Eco Schoolyard

This project created a wheelchair accessible outdoor classroom space with rock seating and shade trees, as well as raised beds for a vegetable garden. Additional funding for this project was provided by TD Friends of the Environment, and donated supplies from local businesses.

• Projects must be within the City of Markham and initiated by members of the Markham community or a community group in Markham
• Applicants can request a maximum of $10,000 from the Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund per project per year
• Applicants may only apply once a year for projects that will be completed within that same one-year time frame (12 months from issuance of cheque)
• Only materials and equipment costs are eligible for funding from the Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund (consulting services are not eligible)
• Project must demonstrate measurable results
• Project must be demonstrable, widespread and lasting environmental benefits for the Markham community
• Groups that received funding for projects which have not been completed and reported on are not eligible for future funding
• Funding will not be granted where projects have been commenced

MARKHAM ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY FUND: PAST PROJECTS

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) — Markham Museum Rain Garden Demonstration Project

This is a demonstration project to help residents learn about Low Impact Development (LID) techniques on their properties - for managing storm water runoff and protecting the quality of water that flows into local streams, ponds, rivers, and lakes. Plantings for the garden were completed this Fall and a grand opening planned for Spring 2013.

Parks Department of the City of Markham — Civic Centre Pond Naturalization Plantings

This project was to install native plants along the Civic Centre pond to enhance visitors' experience of the area and educate them about native plants and biodiversity. Species at risk, such as Dense Blazing Star were planted together with other plants, like Butterfly Milkweed, which is a food source for monarch butterflies, which are also a species at risk. Seeds from these plants will be distributed to the University of Guelph for propagation and expansion of their programs and as well to members of the North American Native Plant Society for planting in parklands throughout Markham.

The Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund is a Markham program that has funded innovative and leading environmental initiatives that contribute to the health of the natural environment since 2004.

Get inspired by past projects that have received

St Patrick’s Catholic School — Rain Garden

With MESF funding and funding from the TD Friends of the Environment, as well as donated supplies from local businesses, the students, teachers and parents came together to build a rain garden and outdoor learning space in the courtyard at St Patrick’s Catholic School. This rain garden captures and reuses rain water which typically goes straight into the sewer system. Water harvested from the school roof is stored in a rain barrel and then used to feed water loving plants. This garden will serve as an outdoor classroom and learning opportunity for students.

James Robinson Public School — Organic Waste Program/Wheelchair Sensory Garden

This school includes classes and programs for special needs students. MESF funding has been used at James Robinson to undertake an organic waste audit and reduction program and to build a wheelchair accessible garden. Students now compost their food waste from their lunches then transfer that material to the sensory garden where they grow plants and vegetables. This teaches the children about the cycle of food and waste. The garden is also used as a means of stimulation and socialization for the special needs students.

Does your project support one of the following objectives:

• A leading environmental innovation – for example, a pilot project – that can be showcased by the City of Markham
• Promote education, understanding and participation in environmental sustainability in Markham
• Support Markham’s environmental policies and strategic plans ie Building Markham’s Future Together (BMFT)
   
• Enhance the health, resilience and sustainability of our ecosystem and natural environment

Green themes to consider:

• Clean air awareness
• Climate change and carbon reduction
• Energy efficiency
• Water conservation
• Wildlife habitat restoration/naturalization activities

Application Process:

• Download the Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund Application [PDF] and submit to sustainabilitygrant@markham.ca by  March 31, 2024 at 11:59 PM EST

Guidelines [PDF]
Photo & Video Consent Release Form [PDF]

Youth Environmental Network of York Region (YENYR) — Eco Action Conference

Organized by Markham students, this conference was attended by over 300 students and teachers.

The goal of the Youth Ecological Action Conference, held in November, 2010, was to increase awareness about environmental issues in Markham and to help students develop and initiate environmental projects in their schools and the community.

This project featured:

• guest speakers, including Canadian astronaut Dave Williams, who spoke about environmental issues and the power of youth
• booths and interactive workshops informing the students on various environmental issues and methods for implementing change

David Suzuki Public School — Outdoor Classroom

The eco-team at David Suzuki Public School, which includes the teachers, caretakers, secretaries, administrators and students, applied for funding to build an outdoor classroom. The purpose of this project was to give students a chance to learn about their environment and the increasing native insect populations in the area, with a focus on butterflies. Funding was used to purchase native trees, vegetables and herbs. This project was an excellent opportunity to teach students and staff of David Suzuki Public School about the importance of native species and to raise environmental awareness.

Ontario Streams — Little Rouge Creek Rehabilitation Project

This project was part of a habitat rehabilitation program which monitors, protects and rehabilitates habitat for redside dace, which is a provincially threatened species of fish in the Rouge River watershed. These fish have been declining due to habitat loss from urbanization and intensive land use. The project was aimed at restoring historical populations of the fish and creating additional habitat for existing populations.

Stonebridge Public School — Native Garden and Education Program

A native garden was planted by students at Stonebridge PS to increase the biodiversity around the school, restore the natural habitat, and rebalance the local ecosystem. Funding was used for:

• a native plant bed
• native plant sign
• poster promoting native flowers

North American Native Plant Society —Invasive Species Education Program

The North American Native Plant Society (NANPS) is an organization dedicated to the study, conservation, cultivation, and restoration of North America's native flora and fauna. The Invasive Plant Awareness Program was developed with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). Invasive species are non-native plants that grow aggressively, overtake natural areas and displace native plants. The purpose of this program was to increase awareness about invasive species through training sessions, guest speakers series, natural garden design workshops, and restoration events in Markham.

Ecowatch Canada Corporation and York Rotary Club — Household Battery Recycling Education Program

Ecowatch Canada and the York Rotary Club teamed up to provide an education program for students and parents on the importance of proper disposal of household batteries in an effort to keep harmful chemicals out of landfills. Batteries contain mercury, a harmful toxic chemical that damages the environment. Through this program, students were able to bring waste batteries to collection bins at schools where the batteries transported to Markham's Household Hazardous Waste Depot for safe disposal.
 

What is the Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund?
The Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund is a municipal program that provides funding for innovative, environmental initiatives that contribute to the sustainability, health and protection of Markham’s natural environment.

What is the purpose of the Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund?
The fund provides financial resources for projects within Markham that deliver demonstrable, widespread, environmental benefits to the Markham community.

Who can apply?
Markham-based community groups such as ratepayer associations, conservation groups, schools and other levels of government are non-profit organizations are eligible to apply.

• Applicant must be working with a local Markham organization
• Schools must be “Zero Waste” (have an organic waste program) to be eligible; maximum of 3 schools per funding cycle, may receive funding to a maximum of $5,000 each.

Can businesses apply?
Individuals and “for profit” organizations are not eligible. Any project that results in a direct financial private benefit to the fund recipient is not eligible.

What kind of projects qualify?
Projects that receive funding are required to meet at least one, if not more, of the following objectives:

• A leading environmental innovation – for example, a pilot project – that can be showcased by the City of Markham
• Promote education, understanding and participation in environmental sustainability in Markham
• Support Markham’s environmental policies and strategic plans ie Building Markham’s Future Together (BMFT)
• Enhance the health, resilience and sustainability of our ecosystem and natural environment

Note: Applications that do not meet any of these criteria will not be considered.

What are the requirements?

• Projects must be within the City of Markham and initiated by members of the Markham community or a community group in Markham
• Applicants can request a maximum of $10,000 from the Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund per project per year
• Applicants may only apply once a year for projects that will be completed within that same one-year time frame (12 months from issuance of cheque)
• Only materials and equipment costs are eligible for funding from the Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund (consulting services are not eligible)
• Project must demonstrate measurable results
• Project must be demonstrable, widespread and lasting environmental benefits for the Markham community
• Groups that received funding for projects which have not been completed and reported on are not eligible for future funding
• Funding will not be granted where projects have been commenced

What are some suggested projects?
Consider these Green themes:

• Clean air awareness
• Climate change and carbon reduction
• Downspout disconnection/rain barrel program
• Energy efficiency
• Environmental and natural gardening promotion and education
• Green roof promotion and implementation
• Water conservation
• Wildlife habitat restoration/naturalization

How do I apply?
Download the Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund Application and submit to sustainabilitygrant@markham.ca by annual deadline.

How are projects evaluated?
The Markham Environmental Sustainability Fund staff committee will review, discuss and score all applications for each funding year and make recommendations to Council for approval. Recommendations, including grant amount and conditions are assessed based on:

Impact
How well does the proposal identify a need, propose a solution and clearly state the hypothesis in terms of levers of change and potential to measurably advance one or more of Markham’s sustainability goals?

Realistic
Does the proposal offer a realistic plan for achieving its goals and objectives? Are the costs and timeframe reasonable?

Community Engagement
Does the project involve those affected by the proposed work and increase the skills and assets of Markham residents, where possible?

Community Benefit
Is the project inclusive and has the capacity to benefit all City of Markham residents?

Learning & Knowledge Transfer
Is there a plan and willingness to share findings and lessons with neighborhood organizations and members?

What happens after the project is completed?
Upon completion of the project, and no later than 12 months from delivery of the funding, you are required to submit your project report.

Project Report must include:

• Accurate accounting documenting how funding was spent
• Original copies of paid invoices
• Photographs and videos for review and promotion of the project
• Completed Video & Photo Consent Release Form
• Evaluation/description of the success/any shortfalls of the project

Who do I contact for more information?
We are happy to answer any questions you may have about your project. Please contact us at sustainabilitygrant@markham.ca.

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